Florida asks Supreme Court to decide whether Big Tech companies can claim First Amendment right to censor users

The state of Florida has reportedly asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether the First Amendment protects the right of big tech companies to shadow-ban, censor, or de-platform users and prevents state governments from regulating social media content moderation policies.

In a petition filed Wednesday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody asked the high court to clarify whether states may require social media companies to host certain communications on their platforms and also whether tech companies may be required to provide explanation to users when content is removed or accounts are banned, the Washington Post reported.

The petition sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between Silicon Valley tech giants and conservatives who have accused them of censorship.